Norwegian Apple Cake (Eplekake)

I was quite distracted with work and other commitments over the past week so I felt I was ignoring John’s dad. Normally I try to spoil him a little bit every day so he knows how special he is to both of us. When you get to 92, people should look after you but he’s been on his own for much of the past week.

I got some sleep last night and my feet are no longer sore so today I decided to spoil him with a dessert. Rob’s mother was from Norway and he’s been there to visit several times. He’s close to many of his relatives there and even has many of them on his Facebook friends (and so do I).

After scouring the net for Norwegian recipe ideas that a. I could understand and b. I knew what the ingredients were and c. actually had the ingredients in my pantry, I found a few for apple cake and came up with this one.

It took no time at all to put together. The longest time was whisking the butter and sugar (five minutes) and peeling an apple. When I took it out of the oven I brought it to him and said, “Does this look familiar?”

“No, should it?” he said. “It looks really good.”

“It’s a Norwegian apple cake,” I said, and then tried to say it in Norwegian. I got just a bit of an eyeroll and he said it for me. I think my pronunciation was close enough for anyone to understand me. (my opinion, mind you)

I’m pretty sure he felt spoiled because he had two pieces – with cream.

Comments

My Mom just turned 90 and I understand so well what you are going through with your Father in Law! Wonderful that you can spoil him, and who cares about the eye rolls? Actually I find myself doing the same for poor Phil when he says something in Portuguese that is just a little off… shame on me!

You are all so blessed to have each other. I hope I can still cook when I’m 92. But if not I hope I know somebody that does and hope they enjoy having me around! You are a wonderful daughter-in-law and the apple cake looks amazing!

He’s a lovely man who has lived to be 92 and is still “with it”. He can talk about anything from what’s going on today to the scientific development of optics (his field) and he’s happy to tell you about things that were “before the electron was discovered.” He’s a treat to be around.

I love Scandinavian desserts because they are not sickly sweet and they really showcase the star ingredient. Your recipe looks wonderful and just the right amount of cake perfectly proportioned to the fruit. I’ve made three Swedish desserts and they have all impressed me so I have no doubt that this would too. I wish I had seen this recipe yesterday when I was planning my baking for the weekend at the cottage with our friends from Illinois Paul and T, I think they would have loved it! I just finished all the baking: cinnamon sticky buns, peanut butter and chocolate squares and cheez-itz! One more thing would be OTT. But you know I want to ;)!

That is one gorgeous cake, Maureen. Sometimes I feel like I should make more specialties for Marion. I do, but I should do so more often. Thanks for the inspiration. I’m sure your father-in-law was glowing inside:)

I don’t know, Helene. He understands some of it and speaks a little. Rob was born in India and moved to Australia when he was 3. His father was from Scotland and was in the army. When things got dicey in India in 1923, they migrated to Australia.

People who scold me for pinning a “non-English” recipe crack me up. It’s as if nobody who doesn’t speak English can cook. :eyeroll: There are great recipes from every corner of the world and this internet thing is a great way to share.

This is a wonderful cake, Maureen, and I agree with Eva. It seems like it’s not overly sweet, which is a big plus in my book. Apples are sweet enough on their own and need little embellishment. I’m pinning this recipe for later on. Thanks!

That is so wonderfully nice of you – today I’ve had a bad experience with a person who doesn’t appreciate other people and their efforts.. Its gesture like yours that make me believe that there are good people in this world too!
That cake looks really good !especially with cream.

You are the dearest, sweetest, most thoughtful daughter-in-law. I’m so glad you have him and he has you to make your days loving and special. This cake is wonderful and reminds me of Danish apple cake my Danish grandmother would make. 🙂

That sure is a beautiful looking apple cake. I’m sure John’s dad isn’t the slightest bit neglected. How many kilos has he acquired since he moved in? I bet he hasn’t stopped grinning – no where else would he be able to relish in such treats xx

What a nice treat for your FIL. I would not have even attempted the Norwegian pronunciation! I adore apple desserts and my stomach is now doing flip flops as I really could use a big slice right now!!!

This cake looks simple and delicious, my kind of cake! I keep seeing all the apples in baked goods and I’m finally realizing Summer is over 🙁 so its time to start baking up the lovely dishes like this one.